MLB Power Rankings: How likely each of the 30 teams are to sell at the trade deadline
By Tim Boyle
15) MLB Power Rankings: San Diego Padres
Imagine the glee on the faces of Los Angeles Dodgers fans if the San Diego Padres become trade deadline sellers. Falling right in the middle of this week’s MLB Power Rankings, a horrible stretch out of them could have the ball club taking a step back before taking one forward. Players like Josh Hader and even Juan Soto could be on the block. What about Fernando Tatis Jr.? Getting out from under his contract might be a wise thing to do if it means they can reload with someone else.
14) MLB Power Rankings: Los Angeles Angels
Everyone wants the Los Angeles Angels to sell if only to see what kind of a trade package it would take to land Shohei Ohtani. The biggest potential free agent this offseason and undeniably the most awesome trade candidate to consider this summer, you’re either rooting for the Angels to win a World Series or hoping he finishes on your team’s roster. There is little in between. If you’re undecided, root for drama.
13) MLB Power Rankings: Chicago Cubs
The Chicago Cubs made the kind of offseason moves to set themselves up much better for a trade deadline sale than a championship. Early overachievements could have them in contention a little longer than many would expect. The Cubs may not be sellers. They could land somewhere in between. Sending Eric Hosmer or Trey Mancini in a deal and buying another player could always be the direction they head in.
12) MLB Power Rankings: Pittsburgh Pirates
It does feel like the Pittsburgh Pirates are coming back down from the early cloud they were riding this year. An inevitable trade deadline sale may be headed back to Pittsburgh. They’ll be cautious about who they trade away. Mercenaries like Carlos Santana brought in this offseason might be nice chips to swap for an arm in Triple-A. Anybody who roots for the underdog will hope the Pirates get back to their winning way and can avoid yet another summer of selling.
11) MLB Power Rankings: Cleveland Guardians
The Cleveland Guardians need to prove they’re in the upper echelon of the American League to improve their spot on this list. Their offense just isn’t that good this year. Frankly, neither is their pitching. The one benefit they do have is playing in the American League Central. The more balanced MLB schedule might mathematically give us a chance to see a below .500 team in the playoffs. Cleveland should be careful about selling too soon.